Welcome to Start a business

The Start Your Own Business Page

Start Your Own Business Article

Rochelle Maize Named among Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2008

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Los Angeles Business Journal's seventeenth annual Women Making a Difference Awards Reception and Luncheon celebrated more than 200 prestigious nominees comprising a diverse group of Los Angeles based women who lead by example, making a difference both in the world of business and in the communities they serve. Rochelle Maize, co-founder of the Rochelle and Richard Maize Foundation, was among this year's set of female leaders who gathered to be recognized at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Maize, a true philanthropist, spends countless hours supporting charities personally, through the Foundation as well as in her work with Nourmand & Associates Realtors, partnering with each client to dedicate a portion of each sale to a charitable cause chosen by the client or to one of the many non-profit organizations she supports. more

Miller Lite Launches Comprehensive Soccer Program Featuring CONCACAF Champions League(TM) Partnership

Miller Lite today announced the launch of a summer-long marketing effort focused on the sport Hispanic consumers love most: soccer.

Miller Lite's 2008 soccer program is designed to build excitement around soccer and the brand's status as the official beer sponsor of the CONCACAF's Champions League(TM) completely new tournament. Miller Lite also will launch advertising featuring current Mexican soccer champions Omar Bravo and Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Anchored by a significant, integrated partnership with Univision, "A Champion Combination" is part of Miller Lite's commitment to the fast-growing Hispanic market and is a continuation of the equity in CONCACAF soccer that the brand began building with the 2005 and 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup(TM) tournaments.

. more

Pulp and circumstance

Weve paid off the debt. Tasmania is net debt free. Weve reduced the long- term unemployment rate . . .

The second commitment was to move the agenda forward on reconciliation for Tasmanias Aboriginal people. I took the stolen generation issue head on and ours was the first jurisdiction to offer compensation . . .

I just wish I could turn the clock back to 2004, when Jim, David Crean (then treasurer who resigned through ill health) and I were working as a great team, leading Labor. They were the great and glory days for me, and Ive always had fond memories.

. more

Latest Start Your Own Business News

Time To Start A Startup? - Forbes

Every year more and more women are packing up their corporate offices and heading for a life that gives them more control with no glass ceilings. And they're doing it at higher rates than men: about 33% higher ...

How to Make the Jump from Employee To Business Owner: Checklist for Starting a ... - PowerHomeBiz

Changing your career track from being an employee to an entrepreneur is a very big step. The rewards can be great, but so are the risks. You will lose the steady paycheck that you enjoy as an employee. You will even have ...

Running a Successful Family Business From Home - msnbc.com

Home-based businesses and family-operated businesses each have their own minefields of potential problems, but the one pitfall they share is the blurring of boundaries. For home-based business owners, that means a ...

FourSquare for Small Business: A Primer - msnbc.com

This has got to be about the last thing small-business owners need: a game where customers use their smartphones to check in at your business when theyre nearby and post their thoughts about your offerings. And--get ...

Bees Can Help Your Business - Forbes (blog)

In his new book National Geographic Senior Editor Peter Miller shows how the lessons of swarms can make us smarter and more productive. Initially I had little interest in reading a book about creepy critters ...

Give small business the credit it deserves - Cincinnati.com

As the summer winds to a close, and people - including members of the U.S. Senate - get back to work, I have a request: Senators, stop your bickering and help small businesses get the money they need. On Sept ...

You can jump-start a lawnmower - Boston Herald

Dear Tom and Ray: This question isn’t about a specific car, but is a general equipment question. Of course, during the winter, my riding lawn mower has gotten no driving time, and thus the battery has died. I was ...

Three Steps to Starting a Business as a Mobile Auto Detailer - Associated Content

Step Three: Promote yourself. Once you have the knowledge and the tools, get out and talk to friends and neighbors. Offer to do a few cars for free and spend a little extra time getting those just right. Then ...

Retirement: Start planning now - Citizen

Retirement is something everybody must consider, even if that day is many years away. The simple truth about retirement savings is, the sooner you begin, the more you accumulate and the more comfortable your retirement ...

Busted? Start Again by Investing in Real Estate on a Shoestring Budget through Tax ... - PRLog (free press release)

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 24, 2010 – The ‘big gorilla of foreclosures’ foreshadows the next lurking monster in this current real estate disaster - Tax Sales. Tax Sales are government foreclosures on real ...

Open Question: What do you think about this?

Through my company, I haven lucky to have had the opportunity to live in different corners of the world and experience many different cultures. Getting to see multiple cultures ads more knowledge but also sometimes makes you ask questions. While living in Europe I was lucky enough to have meet a very smart and gorgeous women, we dated for a few years when I asked her to marry me. After getting married I was relocated back to the US and my company took care of the paperwork and she moved with me. One of the things that I can say happened personally to me and to some other co-workers is that we started preferring dating European women and no longer even consider dating American women. Trying to figure out the cultural difference's between European and American womens to try to figure out "Why?", why we don't date American women. So we decided to post a topic to find out more. Here is a comparison of what we have come up with, again this are just general and some of them might be a stereotype. But that is why we want to discuss them here. - Most European women are very Independent, they want to have some life outside of the relationship. American women want to do everything as a couple. - Most European women prefer to be financially responsible, like they would rather pay for their own dinner when in the US, its automatically expected that guys have to buy gifts and pay for dinner. - European women prefer to be healthy, have very active lifestyle. Going to the gym, biking and walking is the thing to do. I am not saying that all American women are not into a healthy lifestyle but its certainly a small percentage in comparison. Unfortunately for some of my friends who married American women once they got married they gained weight... blaming it on childbirth and things like that when I can say for a fact from my and my friends European wifes that after child birth after some months they where back to their previous weight without even trying but just because of their healthy lifestyle. - In Europe, its common for couples to live together and of course have sex before they are married, I think thats great because you get to know what it is to marry someone, no surprises. But I noticed in America that is a taboo specially around Christian's who look down at those who live together or are sexually active with their loved ones before they are married. How can someone make a lifetime commitment before knowing what they are getting into. The guys I work with have discussed this greatly, which I think its great to know people I can be that comfortable with the only negative thing that has come out of it is that we have discussed this with other's at work who have divorced their American Wife and re-married European. I don't think thats cool but they are happier now. All I can say is that I am madly in love with my wife, my wife means everything to me. Please, I am curious to discuss this subject here on Topix. I am an American women living in Sydney, Australia. Thank you for posting your comment, I don't agree 100% with everything you wrote but I agree with almost all of it. I was born in Texas, but I have lived in London, UK and now live in Sydney, Australia. Before I left the US the items that you mentioned above where the norm... I can say that I did those things as well but was not really by choice, it was culture, it was what was expected from a women in the US. Now that I have left the US I am free to think my own way, I am free to be my self instead of following a culture based on very old believes that are still the norm and the expectation. A few years ago I might have taken this comment as an insult... but I know better. I will keep an eye on this topic, I am also curious to know. Courtesy: http://www.topix.com/forum/business/online-dating/T05BKAV2C9UKNM5F5 more

Resolved Question: Tell me...why is life so shit?

Here I am again on this stupid board..I really don't know why..because none of y'all can help me. I'm so freakin depressed to the point I don't even cry any-more..its like I've become devoid of emotion. I have forgotten what joy feels like..all i ever feel is pain and hurt. The saddest thing is..I would have once described myself as very optimistic..full of life..real go getter!..Ha..not any-more...I remember once hearing the phrase 'shadow of former self'..and i have to be honest to myself... I am becoming that. I am disillusioned with the world..and my own life. I don't whether I'm coming or going. I feel that many people have done me wrong and have gotten away with it....so I'm left to wonder if maybe i deserve the bad things that have happened to me. Seriously...you name it..its happened to me. I cant be arsed to go into detail about specific experiences...but yes they have not been pleasant at all. Anyway..I went to the doctor once, and told him how i was feeling..because I was contemplating taking my own life. He wanted to put me on medication..and i refused..I would have preferred counselling..but i was told the waiting list was like forever..anyway..i left his office..pretty much feeling the same..only a bit better...because I'd finally admitted to someone else...how i was feeling. Anyway i busied myself with things for next few months..went on holiday, started a business..continued to take care of my children (i am a mother)...I just focused on other things and not me...and it helped. Well recently ..as much as last week. I was involved in a...lets call it a ..hell..i'll just tell you...7 years ago one of my children was abducted from me by my ex partner. I have never seen her since, she was taken abroad and I have travelled back and forth to no avail. Anyway..I saw my ex-partners sister last week, and i confronted her about the situation, which left me emotionally drained and wanting to kill someone. I have not been the same since. I just feel that life is a bag of shit...its not what you make of it..because even when you do..there are other people that can still disturb your equilibrium. I just feel that i am constantly recovering from one let down or another..give me a break for crying out loud! The world is a wicked place, where it seems materialness, money, vanity and self worship..proceeds love, honesty, morals and family togetherness/value. World leaders are corrupt and care more about power..than human life. I just want out! Yes I know i have my kids, who need me, and love me..but what use am I to them..If I'm a miserable recluse? *sigh*...I just feel really fcked off right now. I don't know what to do. My life seems to be in a mess...I don't feel i have the strength to make it right either...I am single, so there is no one else to lean on to give me strength..my kids rely on me..but i have no one. My friends and family have their own lives..and because I don't trust people now..I have pushed everyone away..I have realised people like to see another person down..as it makes them feel better about their own lives...so now I am highly secretive. Protection barrier. Oh well...ive actually forgotten why i started to write this...i suppose i wanted to rant for a bit..it be nice if one of you maybe felt the same way i feel/felt..and had a inspirational story where you raised against the odds...thanks in advance to any kind responses and to any nasty comments *middle finger*WOW...so many comments..in so little time..I feel loved! Some comments stick out more than others. Kelly..I hear you, I dont want to put my kids through a bad time, but medication is not for me. I need to feel in control, and the idea of chemicals contolling my responses, does not sit well with me. My depression is 'situational'. I will work out a plan.. I always do..as someone pointed out..I just need that time. I'm pretty broke right now..which only adds to my feelings and makes me feel trapped. But overall i reckon i am resilient character, and i shall once again..overcome this. Highland..thanks for your words of encouragement..your awesome too. I think i'm going to submerge myself into some positive reading until I can make a clear decision on what i am going to do for my future..and focus on feeling better. Every dog has its day. Also, what does not break you..can only make you stronger..this is a transition..and i shall overcome this. Thanks for all the words of encouragement... more

Open Question: How do black people feel about being hated by all races?

You, people, are the ones who always start problems between other races. Maybe a caucasian, asian, or middle eastern person can be minding his or her own business at a bus stop or on the bus or at the grocery store and you people always start being rude or try to be "cool" in front of your "homies" and start making fun of people or be smart about something. How does it feel to be hated by almost everyone? more

Open Question: Can someone give me some serious career advice PLEASE! (I really appreciate it!)?

I am a high school Sophomore and I either want to become a producer, actress (not very much though) or a lawyer. I wanted to be a lawyer for years but then I started to think about it and I don't know how good I am at arguing. People say I love to argue, but I don't think I can make a good argument, although some people say I can, others I can't. I am going to start taking acting lessons next year as my elective. I've been obsessed with this one celebrity so I looked into becoming a producer and it sounded interesting. I've started watching the behind scenes stuff on DVDs and it looks like fun! I have an uncle who is a producer and he is unemployed. But, then my neighbor is a lawyer and he is unemployed also.I told my parents I want to be a producer and they said "NO WAY!". My dad said "if you major in producing, find a way to pay for your own college", but he said this in front of his friends so I don't know if he was joking or not. After he said this, my mom said "just minor in film." I am taking acting classes next year for my electives and there are tons of opportunities for me to act if I am interested in it. I am going to college after high school, probably Notre Dame or U of Michigan and maybe majoring in Business and minoring in film . I am planning on going to law school after college. If I decide to go with the lawyer career, I want to be a Senator. Or I was considering becoming a producer and then governor (like Ronald Reagan was an actor and then he became President.) There are stars like Peter Facinelli and Ashley Greene who didn't start acting until college and Cameron Diaz who auditioned for a part and got it with no acting experience and Harrison Ford started acting, wasn't making a lot of money acting, so he took of carpentry and then was hired to build George Lucas's cabinets, and then Lucas hired him for Star Wars. I also took a career test and it said either a producer or lawyer! (That was no help at all!) Also, I was looking at employment statistics, and it said for 2008, there were around 100,00 employed producers and 700,000 employed lawyers, but I won't be graduating college until 2017, so I don't know how much the statistics will change. What are my chances of becoming a producer in Hollywood? Can I have some advice? I have no idea what I want to do! Also, my mom said the reason she didn't go to law school was because of how hard it is to find a job as a lawyer and she isn't good at arguing. Also, I don't want to become a lawyer because I am really shy and my brother said that if I want to be a lawyer, I better get over my shyness and he said that I just want to work in the movie industry because I'm obsessed with a celebrity and it's "clouding my mind". I don't know what to do and my parents always make me feel bad! Also, my parents friend is a lawyer and she is having tax problems and paying her taxes etc. more

Open Question: Get welding/fab certificate, and start my own off-road fabrication/modification business...should I?

Okay, so I have been told that there is a large amount of money in the fabrication/modification of off-road toys. eg Prerunner trucks, sandrails, etc. So, I was thinking about going and getting my welding and fabrication certificate so that I could maybe start doing this. Long term, I would want to open up my own shop. So, my question is, does anybody think that this may be a good idea? Is it a good business to get into? Is there a large demand for it (I live in Southern California, so my guess is yes)? I know these are all questions that may be difficult to answer, but just your opinion works. I am just looking for a business oriented point of view, it is something that I would love to do, but not if it's going to crash and burn. I am only 19 by the way, so I am trying to plan my future, while going to as little traditional college as possible. more

Open Question: If you could start your own wrestling business, and sign any wrestler, name the roster.?

they can't be in tna or wwe. they can't be part of nexus. they can be an eliminated nxt season 2 member. he can be a retired wrestler. he can compete in fcw. no rock or stone cold though. also have a gm. for the not so popular guys provide videos of their moves. name your buisness (what it stands for) ex:tna,wwe,roh name what promotion he is in, or if he is an indy wrestler just put indy. my company would have a lot of crazy high flying style but with some solid wrestlers too. name: ucw (ultimate championship wrestling) gm: paul heyman batista husky harris fcw chris daniels roh sami calihan indy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlwDduTQL3c hbk dragon kid dragon gate austin aries roh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fD7ocPhOTo jerry lyn roh homicide carlito mike knox shelton benjamin paul london jack evans indy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZxXMQuPorY chris harris indy booker t scott steiner ultimo dragon mexico monty brown sonjay dutt indy kid kash indy judas messias puerto rico super crazy indy bobby lashley mma val venis elix skipper indy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKfKkYqjzEM jimmy wang yang indywow, copying my roster, sheamus guy. more

Open Question: Government should Serve To Regulate the Wealthy,institutions/corporations but NOT individuals much?

I AM THINKING OF STARTING MY OWN PARTY WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK OF THESE IDEALS WHICH ENCOMPASS THE BEST OF THE BEST FROM IDEAS AROUND THE WORLD? I am thinking of trying to create a party around this basis. Sure individuals must be regulated too but the average everyday person in America the little cleaning lady and the Wal Mart workers aren't having THEIR BEST interests served in America that's the PROBLEM. BASIS FOR ELECTING POLITICIANS: Politicians don't have the attitude that the average poor worker who makes 20 thousand a year is actually MY BOSS since they are the ones who voted me into office and our PAYING MY SALARY with their tax dollars. How can I serve MY BOSS(s) today to make their lives easier? Economy: If you look at countries that have a better economy now and (happier longer living people) Norway Sweden Finland Denmark whom have way more SOCIALISM in their economy compared to America but still incentives to WORK HARDER while at the same time keeping tight tabs on businesses and the wealthy ; Business of a LARGE size like 10 million or more in sales should be REQUIRED TO UNIONIZE like they are in Denmark no more of this Wal Mart low pay taxpayers take the social security tab nonsense anymore. You are allowed to make a profit but you will pay; In countries like Denmark though you need to pay a 90% tax if you are making millions (just as the wealthy were back in the 50s in America). Elected officials shouldn't represent someone who makes 100 million getting to keep 80 million why does anyone need that kind of money and why should you care? They can do with 10 and the other 90 million can be used for EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE. Gun rights: Gun rights are a MUST to protect people, however training courses in the basics of firearms and why we have them should be TAUGHT IN HIGH SCHOOL as a required class by professionals using blanks and other safety mechanisms. Having an armed society is essential, but having an armed society that doesn't know the power of what they have is a disaster. An 18 YO with an 44 magnum not knowing how to use it is a recipe for a gun ACCIDENT and most gun accidents happen because the individual didn't KNOW how to properly use the gun. By the same token here in Montana there are few burglaries since people who are criminals are afraid of being shot as they should be if they are endangering someone's family, house or property. Healthcare: Everyone should be entitled to "reasonable healthcare" as they are entitled to "Reasonable food and shelter". This does not mean that if it costs 5 billion to save your life society should NOT have to spend that much of it's resources to save you sorry. IF however you are sick you should be taken care of even with HIV your getting help shouldn't be dependent on if you are POOR. At the same time healthcare needs a good dose of regulation - healthcare is in favor too much of doctors and PATENT HOLDERS. Much of what is paid goes to companies that invented a new medical device whom are getting EXCESSIVELY rewarded. The government should regulate how much companies can make off a medical patent so as to reward them for inventing something but making sure they aren't making 800% profit margins which happens now that's sick. Doctors especially rich ones who make over a million a year would need to have their salaries analyzed as to see how much they should JUSTLY be paid. This is just some of the things the party would represent I could go on forever but what do people think? more

Open Question: Can you sell your own line of makeup on ebay?

I've been making my own makeup for years. It's really good quality and I spend a lot of time perfecting it. Until now, I've just been experimenting and selling some to friends and family. My husband suggested trying to start up a business with it. I'm not really a "business guru" so to speak, so I was wondering, could I sell my own line of makeup on ebay? I browsed through the pages and everything seemed to be name brand. Is it legal to sell your own makeup products on ebay? Do you need some kind of special license or permission from a health department? Haha, sorry if I sound ridiculous, but this is something I'm seriously considering and want to know all I can about it before I jump in to it. Extra thank you for a response from someone who has actually started their own makeup business on ebay!!! more

Open Question: can someone give me some serious career advice PLEASE! (I really appreciate it!)?

Open Question: Is this a scam, its about a job?

Ok so I've been job hunting on Craigslist the past couple of days and found a cleaning job. Sent him my Resume and heres the return. Dear Employee, We got your Letter to the cleaner offer advert we posted on craigslist.I am happy to receive your letter for the post of the cleaning job.I and my wife are from the United Kingdom and are relocating to the United States to start our own partnership business.We have decided concerning the job and some things we will need you for so i'm sure you are a reliable,honest,respectful person.We will be moving to the State by Aug 30 of this month and we need you to work at home for us to take care of the house by assisting us in doing the house chores such as,cleaning the compound,rooms and some other things,my wife was to do this herself but i won't want to stress her up because she is pregnant and she will also be assisting me at the run of the business since we are coming to establish a form of manufacturing business which has been signed and approved by the state Government.I'm offering you $500 weekly and you will make yourself available every 3 days to our schedule from Mon-Fri, Noon-4PM each day depending on the days you think will be convenient for you. Also i want you to know that my client who is in the States will be sending you a Cashier's Check/Money Order which i want you to know that the remaining funds will be used by my wife for her travel expenses,accommodations where we will be staying when we arrive so that is where you will need to be helping us to take care of (cleaning) during the scheduled time.Get back to me with the following details of yours,and i will also get back to you with the location of the building located in your area once the Cleaning Job is about to Commence. 1.Your full name 2.Address,city,state,postal code. exclusive of P.o.box 3.your phone number. If you are satisfied with the offer so that the paycheck can be forwarded to you as soon as possible.Thanks and please get back to me asap.For more information,u can call me on my cell numbers,both when i am in town and out of town to get some raw materials for my manufacturing business +44705725831. Regards, Chris Richard. more

Open Question: Do I have a right to be upset at this?

My boyfriend and I have been together for 8 months. We tell eachother a lot, and it's nice to feel like I can finally open up to a male since I'm really shy. Last night my boyfriend and I were hanging out at a get-together, and I was hanging with some friends, when I noticed he was alone in a room. I went in there to talk to him, and he told me he was depressed. I asked him what was wrong and he told me: "It's personal" so I started to nag him a little bit, and then he said "STOP it's not any of your business. stay out of it." so I stopped asking. But I can't help but be upset over this. I know he's got his own private life too, but I just kind of feel like I'm not really a part of his life :s am I over thinking this, or is it reasonable for me to be upset? more

Open Question: Can I have some career advice PLEASE?

Open Question: Does anyone know about a good how to start your own automotive business shop book?

I am looking for a good book that has information on how to start your own automotive business shop, does anyone know of a good book or at least were i could search for one? Anything will help, thanks. more

Resolved Question: How to go about leasing commercial property?

Now this is a bit far fetched for me right now-just kind of a fantasy I have and was curious about the details. I saw an open commercial property in a great location downtown on my way home from the store today. I didn't get any details about cost or anything and I wouldn't really be able to invest in anything yet anyway but I'm curious how you go about leasing a commercial property for starting your own business. I would want to open up a boutique if that makes a difference. more

Resolved Question: What do you have to do before you can start making your own animated series?

I don't know anything about the animating business, and I was wondering what all you have to do before you can put the pencil to the paper. (2D animation, similar to anime, only it's american animation.) All I know is that you go to college and get a degree in animation, that's it. What goes on from there? more

Resolved Question: Was this appropriately handled?

My wife has a spoiled, manipulative 10 year old daughter that does rather creative things to get her own way (ie deliberately locking both our sets of car keys in the trunk because she didn't want to go to a wedding with us) Yesterday, my wife was returning from a business trip, and the airport was 2 hours away. Naturally, I didn't feel at all safe leaving a 10 year old alone unattended for 4 straight hours with no one to go to in an emergency...so I told her she had to come with me. She didn't want to. I went and started the car, and then came back inside to find her stripped to her t-shirt and panties, her arms folded with a scowl on her face. I said very calmly, "Listen to me carefully: you can play those manipulative games with your mother, but you're dialing the wrong number with me. You have EXACTLY 15 minutes to get dressed and get in the car, or there will be consequences you will NOT like." I then went and sat in the car for 15 minutes, and returned to find her play video games...still clad in her panties and t shirt. I said, "Alright, let's go" and yanked her out to the car, ignoring her shrieks to let her get dressed. I made her walk with me all through the crowded halls of the airport, and made her stand with me in the crowd lobby and wait for her mother. Of course, her mother was shocked at the sight when she finally arrived, but I simply told her, "Hey, SHE took 'em off on her own free will!" My wife is extremely angry andsaying that was way over the top, but I'm sorry, I don't think a 10 year old should be governing the household and saying where we should and shouldn't go! How should this have been handled?@Maria: Arrested? One what charge? Allowing a child to be in public wearing type of fabric for bikinis, more or less? Get real!skruff: Yeah, I'm quite sure she was in grave danger of a pedophile pouncing her in a crouded airport and raping her right there in the lobby in front of everyone and right on surveillance cameras, no less! "Underwear" sure does bring out the primal instincts in sexual predators, doesn't it? By the way, it's amazing the number of people claiming to be "judges" and "social workers" that post answers on this site. And what the hell difference does it make if I use "panties" or "underwear"?!? The silliness you find on this site sometimes!!! more

Open Question: What are the basic steps for filing your taxes?

I am brand new to tax filing. My parents used to do it, and now I'm on my own. What is the "For Dummies" version of filing? I mean...the seriously dumbed down version. I don't even know where to start. (I was deferred to October so that's why I'm filing right now.) Do I go to irs.gov? Do they tell me what to do? Do they tell me which forms I need to fill out? (For example, I own stock, so I don't think I can file the EZ form. Otherwise, single no dependents. I was a dependent of my parents, though, for the entire duration of 2009.) And then I print, fill out, sign, and mail (snail mail) the forms, right? I know I need some end-of-the-tax-year paperwork from my job (I have the W2) but what other papers do I need? One from my stock account? One from my college for student loans and what not? I don't have the money for a service like HR Block. And I don't own any businesses or anything, so I don't think it should be that complicated for me to do them myself. Please don't answer with "buy the For Dummies book" or "use HR Block." I am asking for the basic steps. I don't mind if it's just a quick mention, I can figure out the details from there. If it matters, I live in Washington State. Thanks! more

Open Question: Really SERIOUS question, I need help, now.. I appreciate it very much if you answer?

Ok my small family (a cat and mom) was lovely and nice before. At summer it all changed. I am now 14 btw. My mom just one night went regularly to the bar, I was suprised when she called me since she said she is coming home with a man, I was like sigh... it happens rarely and usually they just have a one night relationship. Ok I thought the same about this man. But after the day he was keeping to come back and I started to know him more and he's nice, but he drinks a LOT (I heard he wasted 600 dollars to drinks this summer...) and smokes. He is same age as my mom, and works and everything, but he can't be father like, I mean he doesn't care about our cat at all neither me. But my concern is not about that guy, it's my mom. She has been changing a lot. She acts like a 20 year old b*tch sometimes.. I don't know what went to her :'( She started going to the bar everyday and stuff, but it was really nothing compared to what I'm going through now, a month later.. A week ago she went to work normally and the guy didn't come here either. Now she doesn't have work again, and well practically the guy is here every day and my mom doesn't care about anything except having sex or something with him? :// I mean let me tell you, yesterday night they came home completely drunk. I was shocked because my mom cussed at everything. She never uses that kind of words but yesterday she like screamed F*CK and all that stuff.. also she doesn't care about me. She only drinks and even though my cat was in the balcony (she doesn't roam free she is a home cat) and could jump off my mom didn't even look at her. I needed to get her out since it was raining also but my mom just didn't care! Then the guy wanted to go to his own home. My mom kept screaming that she wont let him. Then I came and said that "Seriously it's not your business what others wanna do. If he wants to go LET HIM" My mom said "Why no one listens to me? ever?" and then started to shout at me "GO AWAY this is not your business I AM THE OWNER OF THIS HOME GO AWAY ALREADY!!!" the man said why she is shouting at me but mom only said I am just so stupid and annoying. I started crying but she didn't mind... I don't know how the guy can stand him! Today she is again in the bar with the guy, she didn't make breakfast for me, also we had to go shopping because I need one thing for school but of course she didn't want to because drinking is more important.. :( I asked, "really, is that guy and your all bar friends and drinking so much more important to you than our cat and me?" she just laughed, like it would be a joke and said "maybe companion is" I got so angry but she left so I couldn't do anything... I don't really want to live in my home with a mom like that... I feel I could cry every minute... I have many more stories about my days... I just can't tell them now,sorry. But.. I love my cat, I hope I could get away somewhere with her..What i should do? I know my mom isn't going to get a counselor for me, she never sees any faults in herself. I don't know why she is torturing me. I am scared that she will fall into using drugs again... she used them as young... Why she can't be a normal family mom like her sister, she is a really nice and good mom, why I can't be her child?!?!? :'( I can't write more because I am crying and almost choking to sadness. I don't really want to move away to some child house where you can't do anything... I want to be in a normal family.. I don't get why my mom is doing this, can't she think that i could even do a suicide? and I would if I didn't have my lovely friends and a cat to help me.. Unfortunately my friends are not the ones to help me... I wish I was already 17 or something so I could move away.. ;_; Sorry if it was too long and you didn't read it becaue of that.. I hope someone could help me anyway, because I do not want to wait four years in this anguish anymore, but I know that suicide is not the answer and I hope i will feel so always more

Resolved Question: My mom's is insane!!!?

Okay so my mom is always had a temper, never abusive, but always yelling and everything...So she owns a tutoring business where they work through homework that the assistants assign. So I also get this homework. And I was having trouble with it. So my mom would look at the answer book and makr if it was wrong or right. I kept getting the answers wrong again x5. And it was frustrating because she would say, "Go write down the formulas ( I was doing algebra II worksheets), substitute it and DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!" so I couldn't take it anymore. I walked out of our patio, went back to my desk and started crying. For years I worked through the worksheets again and again. We would sit for hours and sometimes I'd cry and get frustrated. She was frustrating me, not the work. She just kept telling me GO DO IT AGAIN, yet she was getting attitude and it's like, "Seriously I'm the one doing the work." So she set the instruction booklet with all the steps for each worksheet on my desk. So I was working through the 1st 2 problems I got wrong with that. Then she came in the house and I just started bawling. I was crying so hard. And she comes over with attitude and says, "Why are you crying?" And I'm thinking, okay could you be any more insensitive to my feelings. Every time I cry that's all she says. When I was 7, one kid who was like 5 made fun of me for having a moustache, my lip had hair on it. So I came home, went up to her room, and told her about it while crying. And she says, once again, "Why are you crying?" So I told her about the moustache thing and I tried to give her a hug and she says,"You need to stand up for yourself and not let people push you around for your appearance. Do not let them lower your self confidence. You should've stood up for yourself! OKay?" I WAS 7. She didn't even hug me????????? But back to the problem. I said, "Mom I've been doing this for 5 hours. IT'S FRUSTRATING. Tali go back and rewrite every step again. Go rewrite all the formulas Tali. YOu didn't even help me at all. Go back and redo it again Tali. IT'S FRUSTRATING!" Her response, "YOu remember all those hard worksheets and levels you worked through, you made it through all the hard levels. I LOOKED AT YOUR FORMULAS AND I FIGURED OUT. So look at it again and figure it out." She walked away, and then I started bawling again. So then my dad walked out of the patio into my office and paid no attention to me, and didn't say a word. My dad is usually the one that defends us from THAT PSYCHO but no, not this time and I'm like am I the only one in this? Then my mom called upstairs to my sister Sabrina and said, "Sabrina come help your sister with this prob-" and I croaked out, "No mom I'm fine." So Sabrina comes down because then my mom said she needed help with dinner. So my sister came down and was sympathetic to me then went to help my mom with dinner. I knew my sister would comfort me when I went upstairs. So then my sister was getting drinks for everyone, and my sister asked me, "Tali, what do you want to drink?" And I said, "I'm not eating dinner. I'm not hungry." And it was minus the attitude. So my sister started to clear up my placemat and my mom says, what are you doing? And my sister said, "She's not eating." And my mom said, "She's still a part of this family, she's going to sit at the dinner table with us." Then she snaps,"Tali, go wash your face and come back down." And my eyes are red,and puffy, and my face is swollen, and my hair's messed up. There's 30 tissues on my desk and I'm a mess. So I come down and I'm shaking. So I sit down and I'm shaking. I'm just staring at the lines on the table and my dad's asking me,"Do you want any soup?" Shakily, I respond, "No thanks." And I stare at the napkins, and the plates, and the trees outside. And I try not to make eye contact with my mom. So at the end of dinner she says, "You can go now." So I speed walk up the stairs, close my door gently, and start sobbing. About 10 minutes later my sister comes in and she talks to me a little bit. Then my mom opens the door a little bit, and says, "Can I come in now Tali?" And I say, as nicely as I can, "No please not now Mommy." And I gotta say, I was proud of how nicely I responded. So my sister says, "Do you want me to talk to mom?" And I'm begging her not to. She says she won't. About 15 minutes later went into my sister's room to ask her if she wanted any ice cream and I find her wiping her eyes, and I'm like, "Why are you crying?" And she says, "I talked to mom. " OH CRAP"She understands what she did was wrong, and she's sorry, she'll probably talk to you tomorrow." my sister said. I'm infuriated, "She understands?????? All the times she's hurt me, and she UNDERSTANDS?? That's it??????" UGH!!!!!!!! so all this morning I avoided my mom, then at lunch she was in the kitchen and she said (of course with attitude), "So are you gonna talk to me today?" And i'm shocked! I thought she understood the way she's been talking to me was wrong. My sister said she talked to my mom about that. Even the therapist we visit knows my mom talks to us wrong. So sadly I responded to my mom, nicely and not stupidly, "I don't know." She snaps around, "EXCUSE ME?" I said, "Um, I'm not sure." "Well, that is not an answer, and that is unacceptable" WHAT???????????????? Then I went upstairs and told my sister about it and she said,"But, I talked to her about it? What happened???" even she doesn't know So I went babysitting for a couple of hours and then I came home. I said tomy sister, "did mom say anything while I was gone?" and she said, "well, you remember caroline and katherine (old best friends). They were going to sleep over tomorrow, but dad says if your attitude doesn't improve they wont. okay 1) my dad hasn't been home all day, he doesn't know what it's like 2) I'm not sulking, or having anger/attitude problems like my mom so i asked my sister, "Should I go talk to him? I can't talk to mom (our relationship is not talking to each other)" and she said, "well, i don't know. it rests in your hands." my mom's crazy and once again, i guess its ALL MY FAULTwhat do i do?http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100821195026AARQOkm this is the smaller version more

Open Question: Want to start your own business at home?

Searching for home based business more

Open Question: How do I legally work out of my home?

Lets say I want to provide mechanical service out of my garage. I want to be able to advertise my services, charge consistent rates for labor and parts, and save enough money to eventually open my own "shop." What kind of legal issues do I need to be aware of? What kind of income are you supposed to report when you do your taxes? Like say, whats the difference between income you make at a yard sale or the income timmy makes mowing the neighbors grass, and the income that I will be making? Can I legally advertise my services? What/who would require me to have a license? Im afraid that if i just create my own facebook page go head first into this, that the irs is going to audit me, or something along those lines....I dont want to be a shady business person, i want to be professional and legit, but am not sure how to start all this legally. Maybe someone could recommend a book or something. Thanks for any and all help!!!!!!!!!!!!!! more

Open Question: What can be done to make police officers more professional, courteous, and polite?

I would like to hear from some police officers on this one please! But also from citizens who have been abused. Police in cities like NYC, LA, Chicago, Berlin, Singapore, Mexico City, and in most red neck Texas towns, walk around like they have a chip on their shoulders challenging someone to knock it off. If you make eye contact with them they try to stare you down, and if you smile at them they don't smile back. If you try to talk to them they become immediately suspicious, and can quickly become aggressive, belligerent and abusive. They have been known to use foul language with very little provocation and to taser people will little or no warning. On the other hand police that I have encountered in cities like London, Manila, Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Albuquerque and Miami seem to have a tolerant live and let live attitude. They are calm and courteous and their speech invites cooperation rather than arousing alarm and panic as the aggressive speech of some police in LA, NYC, and Chicago. Why do police become this way? Normal people aren't this way. Is it the type of people that are attracted to this kind of work? Is it the culture that they learn from other police officers? Is it the local culture that they are part of? Is it their training? Why, why, why? What can we do to have police officers that are courteous, respectful, professional, and will guard our dignity? Do we need better screening? Better pay to attract better people? Better examples? Better training? Special review boards? Better ways to monitor police rudeness? Special play by play video peer review of citizen police contacts? What can get us the kind of police that we can always be proud of? Can someone also address this: I am concerned too about the way police treat you in these circumstances. 1) Like at first at a traffic stop they come up to you and ask nicely for your papers. If you don't cooperate right away they start ordering you around like you are a dog or a disobedient child, Then they quickly escalate to the point where they are dragging you out of the car or breaking your window if you don't roll it down. Its obvious that at first they didn't mean to be courteous but were just using it as a ploy. 2) Also when they ask you for identification even when you are just walking on the street minding your own business and there is no apparent crime that you are aware of, you ask them why and they won't answer, they just keep asking your for your ID, then when you don't show them they arrest you for not having an ID, even though they can not ask for identification for a person walking in public unless there is a crime apparent. 3) Or they arrest you for disorderly conduct even though all you are doing is standing still and just talking politely to them. Disorderly conduct has definitions which involve "...being in a drunken state or other behavior sufficient enough to arouse alarm in a reasonable person." 4) Other things too like traffic cops who drive too slow on the freeway and when you swerve to try and avoid them they pull you over for not turning on your lane change signal. (This really happened to me once and it was so obviously a setup, the cop wouldn't even come up to the window he just told me to get out of the car from back by the back wheel well. Then he asked for my license and I had to open the trunk to get it out of my brief case - he almost had an orgasm when I opened the trunk so you know that's what he wanted all along - my license was expired but he didn't even notice just gave it back to me). Isn't using these kind of tactics of creating a breach of law, even though quite minor, as a means of invading a persons car or home illegal? Aren't these all just power trips that police are trained to employ when they don't get their way? Couldn't they be trained to be calm, inviting of cooperation, and communicative about what they need and why they need it. Why do they have to be so manipulative? I notice also that when I wear a suit and drive my Crown Vic with Marine Corps sticker and Scale of Justice rear window decal that I get a lot more deference from police officers. Why is that? Are police officers afraid of lawyers? more

Open Question: Want to know how to get money by working home.?

I recently have found a website, which is all about network marketing. Friend of mine told me about this and i was amazed that he got paid 500$ for just doing the same job as i am now.(Inviting people.) So i was curious and also registered in there. You probably wonder, what to do, so i give you an opportunity to start your own business through mandura. send me an email to: mlmopport@gmail.com with subject: i agree it is not a scam. If you dont believe, google it (mandura) more

Resolved Question: Is an education required to become a weight loss consultant..?

Hello Everyone, I was thinking of starting my own consulting business targeted towards moms who want to lose weight. I, myself, am a new mother and understand the importance of health and exercise. Along with this I've always been interested in health topics and feel that I have more than the average person's knowledge about it. Plus I take care of myself and I am at a healthy weight. I live in Canada and I can become certified through Can Fit Pro. They offer quickie courses and pretty much anyone can do it. The only thing is that I've been reading reviews by others and some people see these as a joke. Can anyone give me ideas? Going back to school full-time (college or university) is out of the question. Thanks for your time. more

Open Question: How would I start a jewelry business online?

I would love to start my own business, preferably jewelry. How do I go about starting it? What is Domain Name? Do I need a trademark and patent? What websites are great for starting your own business? Also, I was wondering what if I was to make something and it's a popular item, but I run out of items to make that exact product, Do I just buy lots of it and make a lot of the same thing at one time? Thank You more

Open Question: How do I host my own site on my own servers, complete with my own domain ?

Ok, I'm new to this business/industry and not sure where to start; but my aim is to have my own site up and running in no time on my own servers with my own domain. I'm going to start with Joomla and work my way up, so it needs to be flexible. I'm even willing to learn anything new and do what it takes to get it up and running. Thankyou very much for your time, kindness and knowledge more

Open Question: Every Business Opportunity Online Is A Scam!?

Think about it, if they are making money why would they reveal how it's done to you? Go and ask any successful Ebay seller where they get their products, I'll bet you any amount of money they will not reveal their sources! Ask any successful business person online or offline how it's done, and most of them (99%) will tell you to shove off. They don't need competition and they will never reveal how to get into it and do it right. The trick is you have to think up your own way of how start a successful business. There's no easy step-by-step plan. Everyone is keeping it to themselves. more

Resolved Question: Why would a liberal say this?

I noticed on a question regarding inheritance/death tax, whatever you want to call it and I noticed a few people saying essentially that, "no one deserves their inheritance because they didn't earn it so it should be further taxed" I just don't understand that attitude unless someone is bitter because they have nothing to inherit. My great-grandparents, from poor families and not higher than a 4th grade education, owned and managed hotels, which allowed them to be able to invest in other properties. They were quite wealthy and before inheritance was taxed, their children and grandchildren rightfully received their share. What's wrong with that? When you give your child allowance, you don't make them pay tax on it. When you pay for your college kid's (18 or older) apartment rent, you are giving them money to pay the rent, which is not taxed. You can give each of your kids up to $10,000/yr tax free. This all seems fair. BTW: Most people with money DO give their kids money over the years, sign property over to them, etc. It has helped people start new businesses. I just don't understand what the difference is. Maybe I just noticed an answer from some extreme individual and not common liberal opinion. more

Open Question: What are the steps/process to start your own small business?

I'm still only a teenager, so I dont really understand any of this stuff, but I would love to start my own shop someday selling antiques and pretty much everything else. I also want for customers to be able to sell their items to the shop. What are all of the steps to start my own small business? It's in Massachusetts by the way. more

Open Question: Which poem is better?

"I AM I am Nikelle, Relative of several astounding Jamaican immigrants. I am the Daughter of a woman who was sent to speech therapy to learn “proper” English. She sat in classrooms overflowing with girls with long straight hair, and sparkling blue eyes, Wishing her hair was less kinky and her lips more slender. She eventually realized that she is just as beautiful as those that surrounded her. This woman has now graduated from university with a smile on her face, holding her degree up high. I am a Sister to a little boy Whose smile was turned upside down when his classmate told him that they could not play together because he was black. His eyes where often filled tears since he was teased for the colour of his skin. Now, at 10 years young he has learnt to turn a deaf ear to ignorant comments. Strengthened by the blood of immigrants that runs through his veins, nothing will stop him from achieving his goals. I am the Grandchild of a successful businessman, Who worked in a Canadian factory until he saved up enough money to operate his own variety store. Working seven days a week, twelve hours a day. Never going to movies, restaurants or parties. He was determined to save money for his girls’ future, He was strong and he could not be broken. Not even when robbers pointed a gun to his head demanding money and cigarettes. I am the Daughter of a man who was racialized, labeled and sent to vocational high school to learn a trade. He was taught by teachers with preconceived notions of black boys. Teachers who did not see the intelligence and potential that existed within him. Determined to prove wrong them wrong, he persevered eventually owning and operating his own thriving business at age 21. He is now an entrepreneur and college graduate who proved that you can do anything that you set your mind to. I am the Granddaughter of a foreigner who left her home to create a new life in a distant country. Starting from the bottom and working her way to the top. Protecting her four children from the violence and drugs that surrounded them. She was hit by a bus as she rushed to her factory job; her beautiful face scarred but her spirit and determination untouched. Always believing in the dream, moving forward and never looking back. I am Nikelle. I am a first generation Canadian-Jamaican, child of a long line of immigrants. Proud of my honey complexion and my kinky hair. I smile with my full lips and walk with my head held high. My future is in my hands, My potential is unlimited. I will not be confined to a box created out of stereotypes and ignorance. Clear the way because I am walking through on the path created by those that came before me, in the land of opportunity."I AM I am Nikelle. Grandchild of a Jamaican immigrant. A successful businessman in his native home. He worked hard at his factory in Canada until he saved up enough money to operate his own variety store. Never giving up even when robbers pointed a gun to his head demanding money and cigarettes. Working 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. Never going to movies or restaurants, determined to save money for his girls future, in the land of opportunity. I am Nikelle. Granddaughter of a Jamaican immigrant who left her beloved home to come to a foreign country. Living in Ontario Housing, protecting her four children from the violence and drugs that surrounded them. Hit by a bus as she rushed to her factory job. Her beautiful face scarred but her spirit and determination untouched. Always believing in the dream. Moving forward, never looking back. Eventually buying her own home in the land of opportunity. I am Nikelle. Daughter of a Jamaaican immigrant who was racialized, labeled and sent to vocational high school to learn a trade. Taught by teachers with preconceived notions of black boys. Teachers who did not see the intelligence and potential that existed within him. Determined to prove wrong them wrong, he persevered eventually owning and operating his own successful business at age 21. An entrepreneur and college graduate he proved that you can do anything that you set your mind to do in the land of opportunity. I am Nikelle. Sister to a boy of immigrant parents. Whose beautiful smile was turned upside down when his Canadian classmate told him that they could not play together because he was black. Whose eyes watered when he was teased at school; and told he was black like toast. Now 10 years old he has learned to turn a deaf ear to ignorant words. Strengthened by the blood of immigrants that runs through his veins, nothing will stop him from achieving his dreams. He walks tall in the land ofopportunity. I am Nikelle. Daughter of a Jamaican immigrant who was racialized, labeled and sent to vocational high school to learn a trade. Taught by teachers with preconceived notions of black boys. Teachers who did not see the intelligence and potential that existed within him. Determined to prove wrong them wrong, he persevered eventually owning and operating his own successful business at age 21. An entrepreneur and college graduate he proved that you can do anything that you set your mind to do in the land of opportunity. more

Open Question: Does entrepreneurial experience count heavily as sales experience?

On Tuesday morning, I will be having an interview at PRC for an Inbound Sales Representative position. I was told at the recruitment today that if I don't possess any proof of sales skills in my resume, I won't even get considered. So considering I have 11 months experience working at Target with 4 months working at GAP Kids, I was wondering if any entrepreneurship skills count toward sales. I ask this because in 2005, when I took part in this entrepreneurship program I started a partnership cookie business with a friend which lasted over 14 months (made over 8,000 within that time span), right along with an advertising business that I did on my own for about five months (made nearly 1,000). So please give me your insights on this. more

Open Question: Who would like to come forward to solve my financial problems ?

Please help me I am owing Rs. 10 lakhs to the private financial sectors, Rs. 7 lakhs gold loan, 9 lakhs loan in different banks, Rs. 4 lakhs to friends. Because of all these financial problems neither i can concentrate on my work nor i can look after my health. Day by day my condition is becoming worst. I am a photographer by profession. In the year 2002 i was working for a private construction company. I was earning nice salary. At that time i became diabetic patient. Because of the disease i fell sick and could not work for 1 year. This made my condition worst. I had to take hand loans from friends to run my house and for my medicine. After sometime i got some other job and i had just Rs. 2000 salary per month. Because of the less salary i could not give back hand loans taken already. After 3 years my mother got severe heart problems and she was hospitalised. I had to spend huge amount for the treatment of my mother, this also made me to suffer financial very badly. Even after the treatment for my mother i could not save her. I lost my mother, i lost my health, i lost everything in my life. I am the only son to my parents. Now myself and my father is at home but i am finding it very difficult to manage my house. These financial problems are increasing day by day. I cannot have control on that. In the year 2007 i started my own photo studio by taking help of my friends. Though i am having nice income i cannot retain sufficient income for my livelihood. I have to make payment of Rs. 2 lakhs per month towards the interest for the finacial sectors. Even after paying so much i could just pay the interest but principle amount is remaining as it is. And could not even pay the bank loans because of this banks entered my name in the SEBIL and no nationalised banks coming forward to grant loan for me. Now with all these problems my health is deteriorating day by day. Now no alternatives leftout for me except committing suicide. But i dont want to die without repaying the loan amount i had taken. I am also having intentions to achive something in life and serving the poor, needy people in the society. If anybody wishes to solve my financial problems, supporting me to improve the business i will think that i am the lucky to get such people in my life. And i promise i would refund whatever the amount they have given me very shortly. This is the last request i am making with everyone. If i dont get the help anywhere i will think that i am the most unfortunate person in this world, and i dont deserve to be alive. I am 30 years old, unmarried and my name is Preetham. If anybody wants to help me please contact my email id preeth.3315@yahoo.co.in, or preeth3315@gmail.com. Thanking you, with the expectation of your help, Preetham more

Voting Question: The best man to quote in politics?

A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done. A society that has more justice is a society that needs less charity. Addiction should never be treated as a crime. It has to be treated as a health problem. We do not send alcoholics to jail in this country. Over 500,000 people are in our jails who are nonviolent drug users. Every time I see something terrible, it's like I see it at age 19. I keep a freshness that way. For almost seventy years the life insurance industry has been a smug sacred cow feeding the public a steady line of sacred bull. I don't think meals have any business being deductible. I'm for separation of calories and corporations. I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. John D. Rockefeller wanted to dominate oil, but Microsoft wants it all, you name it: cable, media, banking, car dealerships. Let's not just look at it as taking votes away from Gore. Our support comes from a lot of people. Like sex in Victorian England, the reality of Big Business today is our big dirty secret. No presidential candidate should visit Las Vegas without condemning organized gambling. Once you don't vote your ideals... that has serious undermining affects. It erodes the moral basis of our democracy. Our founders did not oust George III in order for us to crown Richard I. People are stunned to hear that one company has data files on 185 million Americans. Power has to be insecure to be responsive. President Reagan was elected on the promise of getting government off the backs of the people and now he demands that government wrap itself around the waists of the people. Sanctions against polluters are feeble and out of date, and are rarely invoked. The corporate lobby in Washington is basically designed to stifle all legislative activity on behalf of consumers. The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. The liberal intelligentsia has allowed its party to become a captive of corporate interests. The networks are not some chicken-coop manufacturing lobby whose calls nobody returns. The only difference between the Republican and Democratic parties is the velocities with which their knees hit the floor when corporations knock on their door. That's the only difference. The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun. There can be no daily democracy without daily citizenship. This (George W. Bush's) administration is not sympathetic to corporations, it is indentured to corporations. This country has far more problems than it deserves and far more solutions than it applies. Turn on to politics, or politics will turn on you. When strangers start acting like neighbors... communities are reinvigorated. Your best teacher is your last mistake. Ralph Nader http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/r/ralph_nader.html more

Voting Question: How do you start your own business?

I would like to start my own business writing computer programs and creating websites. I am very realistic about this and would feel lucky if I could make $400 a month doing this. So it is just for some supplementary income. I know how I can advertise. What I don't know is what I have to do legally do make this into a real business. For example I'm not sure about taxes and what I could use as a write off. Could I write off my computer as a business expense? etc. I live in Ohio.Yeah, I don't really need a loan. The entire cost of running the business would be about $15 a month for someone to host my website. I could actually even host it myself for free if I had to. more

Voting Question: I want to become a registered horse trainer and put my own horses into races- though i do want advice?

I have a passion for horses, i have loved them since i was a little girl, now growing up i want to go into a horse industry, my option being racing. My idol is the greatest horse to ever hit the turf- New zealand born Pharlap. Aswell as being a horse fanatic i am an artist. i have no idea if you guys can see my profile photo, but i drew that horse from scratch. I am aware of the enourmous cost's of owning, let alone racing a horse. Im starting a Traineeship just after my 15th birthday to get a certificate in Training. this course will determine my future in the racing industry. i have found a website that has all the products i will need to train a racehorse, on my own, for those of you considering starting your own training business, or just want a stable go to- http://www.ggengineering.com.au unfortunantly they do not give out prices so i dont know roughly what the equipment will cost me, and yes i am aware it will be well over thousands. im having trouble though, finding horses of good quality and bloodlines. my biggest question is, where do i look for a quality horse, and should i race the horse? and for or the people who hate the racing industry because of what they do to horses- no i will not sell a horse so it can get butchered- its bloody wrong. more

Voting Question: What shall I call this, a friend or no?

It is quite a story, if your willing to read thank you :) couldn't explain all the detail but yeah lol. So basically I had a friend who I slept over her house this morning, later on I get a text saying don't come to a party she is having this week from her boyfriend. Odd because usually he doesn't talk to me. Now apparently she told him a comment I made a week earlier, saying the two of them are "the most f'd up couple I've ever met". Wrong terms to put it in, which I explained to her, but yeah I said that because they are constantly fighting, mad when they hang out with friends, consistently texting, and if they don't happen to text back, god forbid, hell breaks loose. I said this because I said I would never want that to happen with my own. Now this comment got brought up today, and then it started a whole argument saying how my new relationship is not gonna last and such. Basically putting words in my mouth. She takes something confidente I've said and twists it in her favour to make the person feel like complete shit. For example, the guy I'm dating put in a relationship on facebook, and I made a comment to her saying oh why did he do that, I don't like how it's on there because everyone knows our business. Then he wrote something on my wall saying I miss you and I didn't respond because I didn't want to respond at her house and I wasn't home all day.....but she goes and writes a comment and says it's funny how she saw this and didn't respond....she made him feel like i'm embarrassed to let people know were going out or seeing each other or something. I hate how she made him feel that way. She likes putting people down and she's good at manipulating words. I don't know how to end this because this has already been a problem multiple times. Shall I politely dismiss her? She texted me comments like your not worth it, your f'd up and no one likes you. The thing is i'm her only friend, she ditched everyone else to be with her boyfriend, so technically they only have each other. Any advice, please and thanks :) more

Voting Question: would you let a close friend dictate who you can have in your life?

i dated this kid for 2 wks and i really liked him...he was attentive, sweet and charming and seemed to genuinly be interested in me...then he started pulling back and when i looked on his facebook there were pictures posted of him and another girl cuddling up at the beach..she was wearing his hat and he also took flirty pics with her and one of his guy friends said "new wife? very nice" also they went to dinner one night before i hung out with him. i dont have any tolerance for being someones option so i dropped off his stuff, told him to go fuck himself and called him a pretentious jerk (he hangs out on yachts drinking wine with his frat boys and uppity female friends) and an idiot. apparently he called up his best female friend within 5 minutes of the texts and gossiped about me. then within about 7 minutes she posted this on his facebook wall "CRAZY....NUTS...GROSS...run from her and run fast while you still can!!!!" i wrote to her and told her to mind her own business. he then called me and said "i cant believe you wrote something to her, there is no way we can be friends now because she doesnt approve of you" we are all 23 yrs old not 10. ....despite the fact she bashed me online and i was merely defending myself. more

Resolved Question: What was the scariest part for you before starting up your own business..?

Hello Everyone, I'm in the midst of coming up with a business plan. For the most part I'm excited but a part of me is anxious. I start thinking of all the things that I may come across and how I will get through them. I know that this is wrong me of me to do. Anyone else feel/felt this way? How do you cope? Thank you for your time. more

Voting Question: my step sisters bloke tried to get one over me and i have not spoke to my step sister for a year?

do you think this is a good email to send him step sister goes into labour and he wont be at work so every one at he office knows why i dont i will be talking to her again after this hello brov only me txxxxx, sorry for the delay in getting back to you now its about the job i done for your mate, do you think this could be about the affair nxxxx had with manny? i was talking to a some family member and he said or was it a she i cant remember, and he or she thinks it all about the affair, i think someones been telling porkies, i think it was a set up from the start i know you said dont phone her because i embarresed you so bad because i done loads of bad work and she was crying all week end, well am very sorry but i just had to phone her and hear it for my self, well i phoned her and she seem to dont know what you talking about, you remember when you said all the work has to be done all in one day, well i was there to 10 30 at night and she was happy with everythink when i left, she did pull me up on a few things, and i done them, and she did find a few more bits after i left, i said to her i will go back and do this, this would have never have happened if you said go back next day, she said that i could have come back the next day, so there was another lie, when i phone her she knew she was in the middle of some think, no wounder you said dont talk to her about nothink, SHAME ON YOU , YOU USED ONE OF YOU OWN FRIENDS AS A PAWN IN YOUR SICK GAME when you get this i want you to come around to mine straight away . (bit like the time you told me to drop everythink and go and put money in her letter box right away) forget changing the babys nappy, no time for that, the quicker you come around the quicker i can tell you another little secret, its good one you will love it ;-) plus we almost family so it will be good to make up and be friends like we once was no wounder you other bird left you, she was older and had more sence, not like nxxxx, young and gullable, be good to print this off and show nxxxx, she can see what i lier you really are i dont care if i never talk to nxxxx again, i probley wont when i tell you my little secret, thats for sure i must say u lucky i am leaveing the country because if i was staying i swear on my son life i would have come in that office and stuck one on your chin, i dont need it on my record for slapping up a dxxx head, but i have now realised you not worth it, you got the flash motor you got the cash you got the nice house boat you got great business i got no cash i got no car i got no house boat and i got no great business but i do have a bird that is faithfull and a dxxx that so good my misses love it, she dont have to go any where eles, thats why hester keep coming back for more, bloody slapper she was, i was probley stiring 10 mans porxxge, nothink wrong with that, just not the love of my life thanks, and that my friend means lots more to me than all the tea in china, ps.. i will be telling someone my secret i wont to get it off my chest and i know the perfect person, so when ever you r in there company it will eat you up, just like it did when u was in my company and so it starts all again, just when you thought you got rid of one problem another bigger one comes along i am begining to like this game its a game with no winners only losers but i love it pps of the baby comes out black i am going to be pissing myself for a week, any way i wish nxxxx and you all the best with your little one and hope all goes well take care brov more

Resolved Question: I need some parent related advice?

My Father has never been in my life, he left when I was a baby & I have never known him. He made no attempts to continue to have a relationship with me following choosing to end the relationship he had with my Mother. The one time I saw him as a kid was during a court ordered counseling session brought on when my Mother took him to court for child support. I couldn't of been any older than 10. I'm an adult now (23) & within the past year or so my Mother & my Father have reconnected. Not romantically, but as friends. That is her decision, I have my own opinions regarding it but they are not related to my personal feelings towards him. The issue is that she attempts to force me into having a relationship with him that I have no desire to have. There have been situations where she would ask me to help with something (like moving, for example) & while I am on my way there she says "Oh & just so you know your Dad will be here helping too" I then say "I've told you my feelings on the subject. Please let me know when he leaves & then I will come over & help you" She has also introduced me to people he knows that we have run into in public as his daughter. It gets awkward because they launch into stories about "Oh yes I work with your Dad & he does the funniest things..." etc etc. This bothers me because I don't consider someone a Dad unless they raised you & I don't know how to react to them when they start talking about him that way. I know sometimes I end up coming off as rude because I get so upset about the situation. I tell her after the person leaves "that made me uncomfortable. I wish you would stop doing that", she says she understands but continues to do it. I feel that because I am not a child anymore this behavior is not appropriate. I have the right to make my own decisions regarding whether or not I'd like to have a relationship with him. I have told her before "it feels you are forcing me to be OK with something I'm not" & she says "dont be silly I would never do that" & brushes it off. I know that she has also given him photographs of me & told him I asked her to give them to him. I feel that is over stepping a major boundary, I have told her so but I know she continues to do it. Her friendship with him is her business, but I don't want to be brought into it. I have the choice to not have a relationship with him & I am choosing not to. That's my right. I have no anger towards him, I've worked to get over that & I have. But I still hold strong to this decision, which is 100% mine to make. Any advice on how to make that more clear to my Mother? more

Resolved Question: Pros and cons of living in New Hampshire?

I'm thinking about moving to NH in the next 2 to 5 years. I was wondering what the pros and cons of living in NH are? I'm from Colorado so the bitter cold winters don't really bother me as I am immune to it already. The reason I want to move there is because I heard about this thing called The Free State Project where they are trying to get people with libertarian ideas and values to move to NH, specifically Keene, NH. I've also heard that the taxes are really low there and things like no seat belt laws for adults, etc. I am 19 years old so I still have some time to think about this. What are the best towns/cities to live in? The kind of town I'm interested in is one that has no more than 150,000 people and no less than like 60,000 people where you still have a small town feel but you still get the same things as a big city. Also, is there a lot of snow in winter in the southern portion of NH? What are the summers like? Are they really humid and hot? I'm wanting to start a computer repair shop also so how easy is it to start your own small business in NH with a store front, etc? Thanks!This is the website for the Free State Project: http://freestateproject.org/To Prplpoet...: I live in Englewood, CO which is a suburb of Denver. It's about 5-10 miles south of the heart of Denver. more

Resolved Question: How much do people notice your clothes in college?

I've gone to uniform schools from pre-k through high school Most schools (including the public schools) in my area require uniforms, so I've never been to a school that DOESN'T have them I'm going to college soon, and of course, that means goodbye to school uniforms... The college I'm going to is known for being a commuter school, so I don't think people's wardrobes will be that limited (since they can go back home and grab their outfits whenever they want) So I was just wondering - how much do the other students pay attention to your clothes? I've heard that people in college just mind their own business and don't notice the people around them... but I'm just starting college so I wouldn't know for sure When I've visited the college, I've noticed that most of the students look pretty dressed-up (I've NEVER seen sweatpants, slippers, or any of that, and both my parents work there so I've visited a lot)... and I'm kind of worried about clothes... I'm clueless when it comes to things like how many clothes you should have in your school wardrobe, etc. (since I never had to worry about that until now) Any advice? Thanks! more

Resolved Question: POLL: I need everyone's advice ... Business idea for all ages... need your opinion!!?

Right were to start....? Im thinking about starting my own business, but need as many people as i can to share their opinion. I was to start a 'corner shop' that delivers, just like a pizza takeaway but for things you can buy from the local shop, eg, sweets, chrips, soft drinks, bread, milk and so on..... maybe tabbaco and alachol if i can, I havent looked in to all the laws on tabbaco and alachol and i dont know if i can, just need your opinion, just to see if its a good idea and if someone was to open a business like this in your area would you use it, i would like to be offering a delivery service via scooter like a pizza man. for like if you spend over £6-7 it would be free local delivery (3 miles raduis)..... i havent got a business plan yet and i have some ideas but nothing planed as yet.... there would be no shop as such just a online and phone ordering service PLEASE, ive told some friends and they are all big on the idea but my family just to put a downer on things, i think this is no dream and can easly be done, with some funds... TELL ME IF YOU WOULD USE THIS SERVICE IF IT WAS LOCAL TOO YOU AND IF YOU THINK ITS A GOOD IDEA OR NOT? Thanks for your help!!!supermarket do do online shopping but you have to wait for a delivery slot, i would be offering a delivery service within 20 minsjust one more thing,,,,,,, NO ONE IS TRYING TO TAKE OVER A SUPERMARKET, its just a little business idea offering what a corner shop offers but you dont have to leave your house!!!! which some people work all day and can not be botherd to go out....... and if anybody knows about delivery as a scooter can do 150 Miles to the gallon, it would cost VERY VERY little to run a scooter........ more

Resolved Question: wrestling fans What are your thoughts on this article?

According to Pwinsider.com, a new wrestling promotion is starting up out of Florida. The promotion, which has quietly been putting together a business plan, is said to have major financial backing. The new promotion is already signing wrestlers up, and along with the contracts, are having them sign confidentiality agreements. There is no name known for the promotion at this time, but it is known that they will not actively do anything until the fall. A full promotional launch is expected at the beginning of 2011, As of this time, there is no information of TV deals or TV tapings. Businessman Peter Karoftis is said to be the main backer for the promotion. Karoftis previously worked with Sterling Equities, which is a New York-based investment firm that owns The New York Mets organization, the SNY cable network, and several real estate and investment companies. Karoftis, along with Florida independent wrestler Sean Davis are said to be the core of the company right now. Also working with the company are Kevin Kleinrock (Viva La Lucha, Wrestling Society X), Cody Michaels (WSX, XPW) and Mister Saint Laurent (longtime Florida promoter). Kleinrock will be working production, while it is expected that Laurent will work on the creative end. Laurent has previously promoted the "I Believe In Wrestling" company, and there may be a crossover between the new company and the "I Believe In Wrestling" talent and wrestling school. As of this time, the only confirmed name to sign with the company is Sean Waltman. Many wrestlers asked about the company have declined comment, due to the confidentiality agreements. http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/145293/New-Wrestling-Company-Starting-Up-In-Florida.htm Some new names that I’ve confirmed are signed to the Florida start-up promotion in the last week or so are Booker T, Paul London, Rocky Romero, Sonjay Dutt, Super Crazy, Hijo Del Rey Misterio and 2 Cold Scorpio. I am told that there are some other younger talents who have signed as well, but I haven’t confirmed any names yet.There’s been a strong rumor in the last 24 hours that some top Ring of Honor talents may have signed here as well, but I cannot confirm that at this time. I am also told that the contracts signed by talent do not officially take hold until this October. So, that it appears to be when the project is going to officially launch – at least in terms of when the first tapings look to be taking place. As of today, there are no set dates for the tapings or even a location for said taping. Any talk that the promotion is going to simply be a Florida-based company is just that – they are planning for a much grander scope in terms of their goals. The plan is to do tapings and try and find a national television outlet. I am told that everyone involved realizes the reality of the situation and that no one is expecting a deal to fall in their lap overnight. Based on what I am hearing, I don’t believe the promotion is looking to buy themselves timeslots either, a strategy that has led to many an early death for pro wrestling companies. One of the reasons the company has been so secretive about letting names out and launching is that they don’t want there to be a huge buzz or hype, feeling it will leave fans waiting for them to get going while their main focus right now has been building the company’s infrastructure. I am told one of the things the company has been working on is setting up benefits for the wrestlers. The story being told among those who are signed is that everyone involved will receive full medical benefits as well as a 401K and stock options in the company, so if the group takes off, everyone shares in that success. I am told that was something Milton Wilpon has pushed after hearing some of the stories from older talents about how they have been treated over the years. If all that comes together, it’s certainly a great idea. more

Voting Question: How do you tell your landlord that they are getting to nosy in your private business?

My mother is renting from some very nice people and now they are starting to ask questions about my private life. They has went as far as to ask my very own mother about the activities that are going on within the houshold. What do i do? more

Resolved Question: Which business idea is better?

Hi. I am starting my own Internet asset firm. My firm will buy or build websites, fix them up (by adding content, marketing, etc.) and bring in more revenue from the sites, then sell the websites for profit after six months. To start my companies portfolio, I would like to build my own website. I have two different options, but I need help deciding which is more profitable than the other. I can only start one now. After making some revenue from this one site, and then selling it, I will be able to afford growing the companies' portfolio of web businesses. 1. I would start a website like Linkedin, but with a better approach on creating a more realistic business to business experience. I will be purchasing the script for $800. I have already seen a basic demo, and it literally has everything. They even offer the option to have your site custom designed. It has every feature of Linkedin, and more. I would make money by having a free and premium levels, ads on the site, and employer listing fees to list a job opening. 2. A web service like pay pal. Again, the script is $800. The script is okay, but is very, very basic. There is no real difference from pay pal. I'm not even sure why someone would use me instead of pay pal. However, the only reason I'm looking at it, is because every transaction makes me money. So it could be more profitable then the first site. However, I'm thinking of going with the first site, because in the long run, it would be able to sell for a lot more, since it comes with tons of features, and hopefully, users. Do you think this is a good idea? more

Voting Question: Please Read!! Working for family business but really considering going back for my Masters degree.?

I graduated college in 2004 with a Bachelors in Communications, with a specialty in Broadcasting. After college I got a job with ABC for Regis and Kelly,I had a great time working there but the problem was I was making very little money ( $18,000 a year for 65 hr work week with no benefits). Finally, I decided to leave there because I couldn't afford to work there anymore. I did freelance work for the next two years but the pay was only slightly better , and I still did not have healthcare. Since I was in HS, I always worked on the weekends for my uncle's business, he owns a number of car dealerships in the NYC metro area. My uncle always offered me to come in and learn the management side of the business. I fought myself for a year about going but finally gave in and started working for my uncle in March of 2008. My uncle is a great guy, however he is an extreme workaholic. I have been here for 3 years, the money is good here, I have great healthcare, and a company car. Although, the hours are extremely long, 6 day work week, usually 11-12 hour days. with Sundays off. I am happy here, but recently in the last few months, I have been really considering going back to school for my Masters degree, which would be in Business management I dont want to leave here, but I figured it is always a good idea to have a safety net, should something ever happen. All of my friends whom I graduated with are all struggling in the TV production field, and I would not want to go back into that field, should something catastrophic happen here or an amazing oppurtunity came up. Your thoughts please!!! more

Voting Question: Do you know where is the best place to learn mandarin in Beijng?

Do you know the famous Easy Pekibg---mandarin language and culture center? if you want to learn mandarin in Beijing, join our group! Welcome to Easy Peking Nihao! This is willa from Easy Peking—Professional Mandarin & Culture Learning Centre. If you are interested in mandarin or you really want to study Chinese, ---join us! We will give you the best quality of teaching skills and humor environment to learn. We will arrange a professional private teacher with long time experience here, the lessons is Individual. And the time is flexible depending on your schedule. We will offer a free level check to know what course and level is good for you before starting lessons. Now, we have--- Special event in August! Book a free trail Chinese lesson @EasyPeking! -45mins free lesson: an outstanding trail lesson before actually start learning -Professional comments: have a professional comments on your Chinese knowledge after level assessment -Free study proposal: get your own personally-tailored study plan within one week Top Brand; Great Teachers; Extraordinary Teaching Method; Here at EasyPeking, have the most efficient & beneficial Chinese course! 1hour with us=10hours with others  You may interested in: Survival Mandarin; Daily Conversation; Business Conversation; HSK Preparation Contact willa to get a Booking Form now! Email: richblcu.willa@gmail.com Phone:86-010-65389957 Tel: 86-15811159771 more

Voting Question: Is it illegal to use a free newspaper to distribute your own flier?

I have a friend in Oregon who owns a delivery business. In order to save on advertising he collected a bunch of free newspapers, then printed out some fliers, and attached his fliers to the free newspapers and started handing them out. He got a call from the editor of the free newspaper saying that he couldn't do that. Can they legally stop you from getting free newspapers, attaching a flier, and giving them away? If the answer is yes, please specify why and what law he is breaking. more

Resolved Question: I HATE my parents what should i do?

ok like today it started off good everybody is happy then when my mom n dad wake up all hell breaks loose ok so we are told to clean up (me n my sisters) we do it but some how an argument happens from what i did manage to hear it was something about not vacuuming right but anyway im minding my own business playing my game after everything is clean you know so my uncles (they live with us too its 8 of us in total) dont do NOTHING and when i say nothing i mean it literally so when i was told too take out the garbage i say no cause all they do is sit around eat sleep n sht so thats another big argument so my xbox n tv n phone gets taken so now im heated but i get the phone back ok fast foward too about 1 hour ago my mama was about to leave to get my dad some food but she needed my phone but it was dead so she gets mad at me n starts cursing me out and im like why is you doin all that brah my phone is dead you shouldve charged your phone up so stop talking too me fast forward a lil more she comes back n sees me on the computer she comes n unplug the cpu from the surge protector so now we getting into another argument but this time an even bigger 1 cause thats how my last computer got messed up this is my second 1 in the past 3 months then she calls me everything in the book and my first reflect when somebody curse me out is to curse em back out so thats what i did then she says she go kick me out n let somebody on the streets kick my as n let me learn the hard way then i bring up how my dad beats her n when my grandma found out how she aint do nothing she didnt even stick up for her and how he used to kick her out n she would come running back then she slaps me so i push her then my uncle comes kissing her as and im like fck that sht this btch came in the house startin sht this is basically an everyday thing she starts drama for no apparent reason sorry for the long essay im just tired of this sht she starts the drama but EVERYBODY sees me as the problem the only person who see me as the victim is my younger uncle (27) hes witnessed a few times where im minding my own business and she comes out of now where starting dramagrisslle that wont work brah my parents go be on some bs when i come home my freshmen year they stopped me from going too football practice for no reason more